Automotive News

Road rules and rage: should you drive more defensively?

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Driving defensively is one of the best ways to stay safe on the road. It ensures you’re doing everything you can to follow the law, and it lays any fault in an accident on the other driver However, drivers who have gotten used to driving can find it mundane and develop bad habits. Drivers can forget from when they learned to drive and thus make unfortunate mistakes. It’s a good reminder to drive defensively. Here’s a refresher tips list:   Have You Had Close Calls While Driving? Having a close call can be unnerving. If it’s occurred recently, revisit your past year of driving. Consider the potential severity of the occasion and how to avoid future difficulties. Also,

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2022 Acura RDX (Special Edition)

The 2022 Acura RDX, marketed with “refined exterior and interior styling, a dramatically quieter cabin and a retuned suspension,” will debut Sept. 26 at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (California). A hand-crafted, limited-production 2022 RDX PMC Edition will be available at launch. Each 2022 RDX PMC Edition will be adorned in Long Beach Blue Pearl paint with Orchid Milano leather interior, both colors shared with the electrified 600-horsepower NSX Type S supercar. With production limited to just 200 units, it will be Acura‘s most exclusive PMC Edition yet. Each of the vehicles will be individually numbered with a serial plaque on the center console denoting the special edition. According to the carmaker, the standard technology will include wireless

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7 ways to make your used car last longer

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to make your used car go the extra mile, there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank. From ordering new tires online to fixing the upholstery, you can make your used car look fresh again. Here are seven affordable ways to make your pre-owned vehicle look great: 1. Add Sound Matting Older cards can frequently begin to vibrate to an unpleasant degree, but you can dampen the sound to make your riding experience more enjoyable. Sound matting usually means adding a rubber material to your car, which does double duty as insulation and a sound-reducer. This is an addition that makes an obvious improvement to your daily commute. 2. Buy

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GM changes priorities, announces more powerful Silverado

Just when it looked like General Motors was accelerating its electric pickup truck lineup as quickly as possible, a new priority has emerged — another Silverado. The automaker has unveiled the 2022 Silverado ZR2. It’s expected to go on sale in the spring of 2022. Three electric pickup trucks, including a Silverado, were previously announced. With the announcement of the off-road leading Silverado ZR2, the pending electric trucks from GM, may, if only briefly, have taken a backseat. New Chevy Silverado: New safety, convenience stuff “We are getting ready and coming very soon,” said Kelly MacDonald, director of Chevrolet truck marketing. “We will be releasing more information. It’s a tremendous product and we can’t wait to share it with you.”

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Bigger trucks carry more weight including safety risks

Bigger trucks keep getting  bigger. The increased size also means increased dangers. That’s the assessment of Consumer Reports. The publication’s analysts detailed that from 2000 to 2018 (the most recent study) trucks are 11 percent tall and 24 percent heavier. As a result, big trucks have poorer front sight lines and bigger blindspots that can prevent viewing a small vehicle or a pedestrian. Bigger Trucks doesn’t mean better trucks “Because of their height and long hoods, some trucks have front blind spots 11 feet longer than some sedans and 7 feet longer than many popular SUVs, which increases the risk of the driver running over someone in front of them they can’t see,” said Keith Barry, Consumer Reports Auto Editor.

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Aston Martin, James Bond: No Time To Die

What would a James Bond movie be without iconic cars doing the impossible? OK, there’s espionage, guns, chase scenes, adventures in exotic places, tuxedos, pretty women in slinky dresses, villains and a martini or two (shaken, not stirred). But other than that, fans of the 24 films (and soon to be 25 movies) in the franchise need to see cars, notably various Aston Martin vehicles. Aston Martin needs the James Bond movies. The James Bond movies need Aston Martin. In the final preview before the nationwide debut of No Time To Die on Oct. 8, cars are in the mix, including a homage to yesteryear with protruding automatic weapons all the rage. James Bond: Retired? Not So Much The premise

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Charlie Watts: A man and his cars and clothes but no driving

Some rock & roll stars collect women. Charlie Watts preferred one, Shirley Ann Shephard, his wife of 57 years. Instead, the deceased Rolling Stones drummer fancied fancy clothes and vintage cars. He often coordinated his style hobbies as package deals. Watts, who died at age 80 on Aug. 24, didn’t enjoy driving his rare vehicles. He’d opt for proper attire for the occasion to sit in one of the cars and enjoy the combined craftsmanship of his suits and his vehicles. His meticulous attention to detail – be it in fashion, automobiles, or even daily rituals – mirrored the same dedication seen in services that prize quality over flash, like the WritePaper writing service, known for its precision and reliability.

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VW Basis-Transporter: Rare, odd collectible pickup truck

In the Philippines, it was known as a “country truck” or “Trakbayan.” In Indonesia, its name was “Mitra,” meaning partner. By any name, the Volkswagen Basis-Transporter was among the carmaker’s oddest creations. The two-door, boxy work truck, manufactured in German and in Mexico, were made between 1975 and 1979 only 6,200 were built. It was called the Hormiga or “Ant.” As a basic utility vehicle, the Basis-Transporter was primarily shipped to Mexico, Turkey and Pakistan. It had a 1.6-liter, 50-horsepower engine and a maximum speed of 48 miles per hour. Its bed had a maximum payload of 2,205 pounds. VW Basis-Transporter: Odd, Rare The utilitarian vehicle founds some success during its short tenure because of high fuel prices and a

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How to prepare to choose the right new car to buy

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Besides buying a house, purchasing a car is likely the most expensive personal expense. So, it’s important to make the right choice. But what’s the best way to make the best choice? Questions can vary greatly. How much can I afford? What’s the best car for family travel or for long journeys? What’s the best value or most dependable brand? If you’re partial to certain manufacturers you right asked where is Jeep made? Are hybrids or electric cars good choices? Is a sedan a better option than an SUV? Determining what car will serve your needs best can be daunting, so here are some guidelines: Review Your Budget Before you start test-driving vehicles and researching the latest technologies

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New Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider unveiled and unavailable

The 2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider, unveiled during the just concluded Monterey Auto Week, is a new hypercar. Its stunning looks and impressive specs are equaled by its unannounced price speculated at more than $3.5 million. It’s also an unattainable vehicle unless you’re a current Aston Martin owner who was afforded the opportunity to buy one of the 85 examples manufactured. And good luck with that. They’re all sold. By the numbers, the Valkyrie Spider has the same 6.5-liter Cosworth V-12 as the regular Valkyrie. Combined with its hybrid system, the new Aston Martin has a total output of 1,139 horsepower. The Spider’s engine is mounted directly to the car’s carbon-fiber tub without an insulating subframe. Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider:

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Monterey Auto Week returned to glory with cars galore

Monterey Auto Week has a problem, and it’s about as good as it gets. After a two-year hiatus because of COVID-19, the return edition ended Sunday, August 15 with the 70th anniversary of the Concours d’Elegance. It was the grand finale to a now 10-day occasion of about 30 events. And therein the issue for automotive enthusiasts gathering on the Monterey Peninsula: Where do we go and what do we all do first? How do we prioritize? Isn’t it great to have choices? Bruce Aldrich and I have represented The Weekly Driver website and podcast at Monterey Auto Week for several years. I’ve attended various auto shows, racing, auctions and related events on the peninsula since 1987 while contributing content

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Aston Martin world debut: Hypercar Valkyrie Spider

The Valkyrie Spider, marketed as one of the world’s most extreme hypercars, was unveiled August 11 by Aston Martin at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Auto Week. With off-roof driving and described by the manufacturer as “the most comparable experience to that of an F-1 car not limited to the track,” the Valkyrie Spider will feature a 6.5-liter V12 with revving to more than 11,000 RPM. While the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s unique 1155PS hybrid V12 powertrain remains unchanged, the Valkyrie Spider has received revisions to its carbon-fiber structure. Plus, Aston Martin has announced a “precise recalibration of both the active aerodynamic and active chassis systems.” Aston Martin Hypercar Debuts With its ultra-lightweight construction and high downforce aerodynamics package,

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Rare Steve McQueen Husqvarna could fetch fortune in Monterey

Steve McQueen, the iconic actor known as the King of Cool, rode many motorcycles in his movies and for recreation. Several vintage bikes from the actor’s estate have sold. But the first Husqvarna dirt bike McQueen owned is particularly revered. And the machine of legend could several hundred thousand dollars when it’s auctioned during RM Sotheby’s sale Aug. 12-14 during Monterey Auto Week. McQueen’s coveted two-wheeler is a classic 1968 Husqvarna Viking 360. It’s believed he first saw the high-octane Husky tear up the track during a series of races in Southern California in 1968. Steve McQueen: Motorcycle Icon After watching acclaimed motocross rider Bengt Åberg in the saddle, McQueen bought the bike from Swedish rider after the third race.

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Monterey Auto Week: sensory overload for all things cars

Monterey Auto Week is the umbrella name for all things automotive collectively presented for 10 days during mid-August. It all began with the Pebble Beach Road Race in 1950. The races were called “The Del Monte Trophy” and were held on the twisty, leafy and narrow Pebble Beach roads. The series lasted until 1956. The Concours d’Elegance, now the world-renowned finale to international collections of races, rallies, auctions, memorabilia and car debuts, began as an afterthought. Now, Monterey Auto Week attendees have to make decisions. Where does a visitor go first? How many events can be taken in on any given day? Here’s a calendar of events for the 2021 edition of Monterey Auto Week. For details of events, click

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Bobby Rahal set to celebrate Indy Cars at Rolex Reunion

Bobby Rahal, the three-time Indy 500 winner who also won three consecutive Indy Car races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca beginning in 1985 will have a feature role at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Rahal will be part of the celebration of a historic Indy Car group that originally competed between 1963 and 1978. It will be run for the first time in an exhibition August 12-15 during Monterey Auto Week. The introduction of rear-engine Indy Cars, starting at the Indianapolis 500 in 1963, changed the sport. A front-engine car and its driver would never win the Indy 500 again after 1965. Rahal, who has Rahal Straight at the Laguna Seca racetrack named for him, will debut his recently restored

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2021 Jeep Wrangler (hybrid!) still best off-road

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the new hybrid trim, is available as a four-door in three high-end offerings: the premium Sahara, more premium High Altitude, and Rubicon, geared toward off-road excursions. The 4xe (pronounced “four by E”), engine combines a 270 horsepower turbocharged inline-four-cylinder with a 44-horsepower motor connected through a front-end accessory belt. A 134-horsepower motor replaces the transmission’s back-end torque converter. The motors draw power from a 14.0-kWh lithium-ion battery located under the rear seats. Whether the 4xe is in electric mode or running as a hybrid, torque is routed to the wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. A transfer case offers rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive (4WD Auto), and high-or low-range four-wheel drive for off-road use. In its

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